Rep. Wild Votes to Secure Funding for Vaccines, Schools, and Small Businesses

Press Release

Today, Rep. Susan Wild applauded the passage of the American Rescue Plan, a comprehensive relief bill to help lift America out of the economic and public health crises created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation now heads to the President's desk for signature.

"Relief is on its way to folks across the Lehigh Valley," said Rep. Wild. "Not only will the American Rescue Plan help accelerate vaccine distribution to get more shots in more arms, it will also invest nearly $5 billion into Pennsylvania schools to get kids back into the classroom and provide crucial support for the small businesses that are the backbone of our economy."

"I hear every day about the urgent need to address the economic crisis facing the American people, and this bill does just that. It includes billions in rental assistance, an expanded child tax credit that could cut child poverty in half, and extends unemployment insurance until September while also making more than $10,000 in unemployment insurance tax exempt, putting more money back into the pockets of Americans to help kick our economy into gear."

"I'm also proud to have fought for and secured $140 million in funding for mental health care for health care workers and first responders. They need our support now more than ever."

"This bold legislation will provide a lifeline for workers, families, and small businesses in our community and help forge a path to the other side of this pandemic. I couldn't be prouder of the tremendous good it will do for our country."

The American Rescue Plan includes:

Rescue checks of up to $1,400 for individuals.
Nearly $5 billion for Pennsylvania schools, plus additional funding for childcare providers, Head Start, and higher education.
Extended unemployment insurance until September 6th and makes over $10,000 of UI tax exempt.
Works to cut child poverty in half by making the child tax credit fully refundable for 2021 and increasing the annual amount from the current $2,000 per child to $3,000 per child.
Provides $27.5 billion for Emergency Rental Assistance, to help ensure struggling families continue to have a safe place to live during this pandemic.
Invests $28.6 billion to revitalize restaurants, food, and beverage establishments, and additional resources to help small and disadvantaged businesses navigate and access COVID relief programs.
Rep. Wild also spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to talk about the importance of passing this urgent relief.

Source